BABS K9

Serves Mamaroneck, NY

35244

Hired 9 times

1 employee

7 years in business

$20/walk

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Zelle.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Alyssa Buer
Completed on 7/30/2020

Introduction

I'm Alyssa Buer, owner of BABS K9. In June 2018, I decided to embark on a solo journey and created my very own Dog Walking/Pet Sitting business which offers Dog Walking With A Training Twist*, specializing in reactive dog walks, along with above and beyond high quality pet care! I'm a fully insured, pet CPR+First Aid certified, highly skilled and safety oriented dog walker/pet sitter, well versed with cats, birds, reptiles, small animals, exotics and fish. I have extensive hands on knowledge in dog behavior, socialization and training, cultivated through my professional experience in various areas of pet care since 2008. Services that I provide are: ▪︎ Drop In Visits ▪︎ Dog Walking ▪︎ Overnight Pet Sitting in your home ▪︎ Boarding (Case by case basis, at my discretion. Weekends only. 1 booking at a time. Dog must be dog and cat friendly, crate trained & potty trained.) ☆☆I work full time as a veterinary assistant 4 days per week and schedule visits/walks around those hours. We can work together to develop a schedule that best suits your pet(s)!☆☆ I'm currently a full time veterinary assistant and aspiring veterinary technician. I managed a dog daycare at a dog training facility for 6 years and assisted in dog training classes, working diligently under the supervision of multiple CPDT-KA trainers. I've worked in shelter and in rescue with both dogs and cats. Furthermore, I regularly attend workshops, seminars, courses both in person and online, as well as read up on the latest behavior discoveries, and the most effective, tried and true dog training methods. I have had a ton of opportunity to learn about dogs in depth over the years. From body language to how a dog thinks, different breeds/personalities/temperaments, styles of play/interaction, how to capture/modify behaviors, how to evaluate a dog to determine their social ability, how to work with dogs who display reactivity/undesirable/dangerous behaviors, and how to help an insecure shy dog build confidence. My approach with any cat is to treat them as I would treat my own and make sure my clients cats are recieving attentive, loving care that is as close to their normal routine as possible. I love cats unique, charismatic personalities while also respecting their stoic nature. Whether your cat loves to engage in play, be brushed, recieve pets, or maybe they're a bit shy and would rather not have the pressure of human interaction, I will make sure they have a great and stress free "staycation" while you're away! My current lovely 4 legged family members are Bia, my American Bully, my 2 cats, Cielo & Amira, and last but not least, Knuckles, an African Pygmy Hedgehog. ❤️🐶😺😺🦔❤️

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

I price my services based on the amount of time that I spend with your pet, along with my experience level. I offer referral discounts - if a current client refers a new client to me and the new client books any service with me, the referring client will receive one free walk/visit.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Before taking on a new client, I send all of my clients my general service info along with pricing prior to the initial meet & greet to determine if we are the right fit for eachother. I request a complimentary meet & greet where I meet you, your dog(s)/pet(s). During our initial meeting I take notes on all details regarding care and behavior of your dog/pet. I also make note of any and everything I will need to know about your home in order to complete my job efficiently and make sure that not only your pets recieve the best care possible, but that your home is respectfully looked after as well! After I meet with my new clients, I provide them with my references.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am Pet CPR/First Aid Certified, also have hands on experience with administering oral, topical medications as well as subcutaneous injections. I take my work seriously and am very passionate about how a dog learns and perceives the world - I have attended both in person and online dog behavior/training workshops and seminars in order to stay up to date on the latest and most effective methods for the dogs/puppies that I work with!

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I've always had dogs as pets growing up, and still do! During high school my aunt would let me tag along to agility workshops and competitions, she was nice enough to sign me up for agility classes with my own dog which lasted about 6 years - that's when I learned that dog training and behavior was something I was interested in and had so much fun seeing how happy my dog was running the agility course! After graduating high school in 2010, I had the lovely opportunity of working at Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk for one year in 2011-2012. working in a shelter environment was hard work and at times emotional, but it was well worth it. In 2012 I came across the opportunity to work part time at Bandilane Canine Center as a dog daycare attendant where I attended dog agility class. Working at Bandilane for 6+ years was pivotal in my hands on dog behavior education, I learned so much from a few CPDT-KA trainers, and also learned a ton from my daycare manager. I had no clue how deep dog behavior could go and how dogs were constantly communicating with us, especially in silence. Eventually I gained enough knowledge and skill to become promoted to co manager along with my daycare manager, which also turned into such a great friendship... once Bandilane shut its doors in 2018, both of us dog daycare managers decided to continue doing what we love most and opened our own small dog walking/training and pet sitting business called BABS K9! In between all of these years with my interest growing each day, I've attended workshops/seminars/online courses in dog behavior and training and continue to do so!

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with all types of clients - first time dog/pet owners and people who have had dogs/pets their entire lives. I really enjoy teaching my clients about dog behavior/training especially if they haven't had a chance to learn about it already. I've worked with clients who have had terrible experiences with other dog walkers/sitters and show them that I can be trusted with their furry family members and that they will receive the best care possible! I've even cared for clients dogs who are dog trainers themselves.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I tend to attract clientele who have reactive dogs, but there is one dog in particular who I am super proud of how far she and I have come! She is a pitbull who is awesome with other dogs off leash, but on leash she gets very frustrated and very vocal to the point that her family was so embarrassed by her behavior and strangers would glare as if her owners were doing something horrible... they just needed help and direction! This dog and I put in a lot of hard work, consistency, repetition and loads of positive reinforcement. 2 years later we are able to walk past other dogs while she redirects her attention and focus towards me instead of the other dogs. Sometimes some dogs take a little longer than others to become comfortable enough to partially ignore another dog in their presence and focus on their handler. This dog in particular is so successful in my opinion because now we are able to do any and every trick/command I have ever taught her in front of any dog we pass, she truly has fun working with me and her confidence radiates off of her like a shining star!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

The pet care industry is not nearly as regulated as it should be, hiring someone to come into your home to take care of your pets should be taken as seriously as if you were hiring someone to come look after your newborn child. Making sure the individual has hands on experience aside from their own pets, good references, is avidly taking notes during the initial interview, takes interest in your pet by asking questions and overall gives off a good vibe is imperative!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Customers should think about what kind of service best fits their dog(s)/pet(s) needs. the more honest a customer is, the easier it is for the pro to better prepare for a smooth and stress free assessment process before services begin.